OMC 5.0 Cobra V8, is this a good engine?

[RyanSchmitty]

Hey everyone,<br /> I'm looking into buying a 1993 Reinell 192 which has an OMC 5.0 Cobra V8 in it with 150 hrs. on it. I was wondering if this is a good/reliable engine? I thought I had heard something about them being either junk or not as good as Mercury, I can't really remember what one of my mechanics told me about it... Could someone enlighten me?

 

[McKenzie]

Re: OMC 5.0 Cobra V8, is this a good engine?

I have that engine/sterndrive setup and wouldn't trade it for anything, not even a mercruiser. I haven't had a problem with it yet. I did just replace the manifolds/risers after ten years in saltwater service. From this forum I see if they last 5 to 7 years (regardless of make), you got lucky. Also, this setup purrs! I can't tell you how many times at the dock I have to check the tach to see if its still running (always is!) My boat has decent pickup and top speed. 48/49 MPH gps. That might be a little more dependent on hull design though. The fuel usage is better than some 4 bangers and V6s. I have a 35gal tank and fill up about once a month. In between fillups, about every 10 days i dump in a 6gal gas tank. The boat gets used about 4/5 days out of the week too. This setup is definely as good as (if not better) than any mercruiser or mercury.

 

[McKenzie]

Re: OMC 5.0 Cobra V8, is this a good engine?

Almost forgot, GET THE SERVICE MANUAL! It has everything you need to keep that engine and outdrive maintained and at peak performance. I got the clymers manual and I think it is really easy to understand and put to use, even for those that don't have experience turning a wrench. Since your buying used, check the gear oil for water and engine oil for water. If either look milky, hit the classifieds. On the test drive, put your hand on the risers. They should be cool or at most luke-warm. If you can't keep your hand on it, hit the classifieds. If you can manage to get a compression check done before you buy it, it would be a good idea. If you find problems there, again, hit the classifieds. If you find any of these main systems to have problems, its probably not worth the effort unless you have the parts and knowledge to do it yourself.